Tag Archives: advocacy

Dec, 2016

Eagle Scout helps kids in careYou are going to love this story from Thanksgiving weekend!

Over the weekend, I was honored to attend a ceremony honoring one of my favorite kids, Davis Spangler, from Allen, Texas. I love stories of kids looking after and having a heart for other kids less fortunate.

Over two and a half years ago, I was contacted by this young man. He had been researching projects for his Eagle Scout honor. The project that caught his eye was a story in the media about foster children moving from place to place carrying all they had in trash bags. I agreed to meet Davis and his Dad. Along for the ride, were my two oldest grandchildren that were about the same age as Davis.

I remember instantly liking how passionately he felt the need to do something to help these kids! He asked if I would sponsor him on behalf of Azleway. His goal was to collect as much luggage, duffel bags, and backpacks as he could for his project and give them to the kids at Azleway. I do not think either of us knew what a daunting task that would become. Over the two year period, he would sometimes get frustrated because he had not found as much luggage as he wanted. I am sure there were times when he would have liked to quit. Thankfully, he did not quit! I received an email from Davis requesting a date for the delivery of the luggage.

I still remember when he and his Dad delivered it all to Azleway. I met them at Azleway’s Grand Prairie location. I could not believe the staggering amount of luggage packed into luggage that he had collected. That luggage did not last long in that warehouse. The minute the word was out……the luggage was moved to Tyler and handed out to the kids.

On October 21, 2016, I received an email from Davis asking if I remembered him. I replied I could never forget that sweet face. Along with the email, was an invitation for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony to be held at his church in Allen, Texas. I replied I would be honored to attend. When I arrived, I could not believe he was a head taller than me, and was the more mature and accomplished version of the Davis I had met in our first meeting. I awarded him a pin on behalf of Danny Tiblet’s Foster Care Movement! If you look closely to the right of his Eagle Scout badge, you will see the pin. I don’t know of a better kid or a more deserving kid for this award!

The ceremony was filled with emotion. His family had travelled from all over the country to see Davis receive his award and be called to the “Eagle’s Nest” forever and all time. By the way, his Dad is an Eagle Scout as well. I learned during the ceremony that less than two percent of all scouts become Eagle Scouts. Letters from President George Bush, his Dad, and many other dignitaries from all over the country sent certificates and letters of blessings. Quite a way to spend a night during Thanksgiving!
Azleway thanks you, Davis! The kids thank you! And, I thank you so much for all you have done on behalf of this nonprofit. I am going to keep my eye on this kid! He has a great future in store for him!
Sharon Roubinek